Car Features

A Brief History of the Austin Mini Mk1
The Austin Mini Mk1, designed by Alec Issigonis and launched in 1959, was revolutionary for its compact size, transverse-mounted engine, and front-wheel-drive layout. It was the product of an era when fuel efficiency became paramount due to the Suez Crisis, making small cars highly desirable. The Mk1's clever packaging, including the in-sump gearbox and 10-inch wheels, helped it become one of the most recognizable cars of its time.

A Life Well-Lived

Photos By Chris Wall

Jimmy’s mission was simple: build a feature-worthy Volvo 122S. He was even more motivated after spotting one in a magazine that he thought didn’t deserve the spotlight. Determined to show the world what a true showstopper should look like, Jimmy put in the work, and the result speaks for itself.

Over the years, I scoured every corner of South Africa and beyond for the perfect Merc. But 2-door models? Rare as hen’s teeth. All I could find were 4-door shells in states of disrepair that didn’t justify the cost and effort of restoration. And trust me, building a leadsled isn't a job for the faint of heart. It’s a long, painstaking process. At one point, I even considered importing a fiberglass Merc kit from AC Autos in the U.S., but the dream of finding a genuine 2-door was still burning.

Photos by Melissa Maeder
Owner: David Szot-Myburg  
Location: Noordhoek, Cape Town  

David, a lifelong Hot Rod enthusiast, can’t seem to stop building cars, no matter how many times he tells himself the current project is the last. There’s always another car with potential—another project waiting to be transformed. And that’s exactly what happened with this Nova.

The Gumtree Find and the Vision

Bodie Stroud: A Hot Rod Legend in the Making

Bodie Stroud’s journey is the stuff of American dreams. From humble beginnings as a heavy diesel mechanic, he climbed the ranks over 15 years, only to realize his true calling lay in the world of custom hot rods. In 2007, he took the plunge and opened Bodie Stroud Industries, a small shop in North Hollywood, California. Fast forward to today, and Bodie is recognized as one of the most talented and visionary custom car builders on the planet.

A Storied Past
Originally purchased in 1968 by the famous British hairdresser Frank Fowden, this E-Type has a legacy as fascinating as the car itself. Fowden, a man who was well-connected with some of the world's most famous personalities, including Margaret Thatcher, Mick Jagger, and Hillary Clinton, was known for his exquisite taste—something clearly reflected in his choice of automobile.

The Birth of a Legend
This car wasn’t just a one-off; it was the genesis of a legacy that transformed the Mustang from a stylish cruiser into a high-octane race car. When Ford's Lee Iacocca approached Carroll Shelby with the idea of turning the Mustang into a competitive SCCA Production class racer, the result was nothing short of revolutionary. Shelby stripped the Mustang to its bones, installing a 289 cubic-inch V8 engine that roared with 350 horsepower—a staggering amount for its time.

Owner: Marcel Weyers  
Builders: Marcel Weyers, Rynard Meyer, Vivian Weyers, and the EXCEL TOOLING team  
Location: Port Elizabeth

The Search and the Find

Photos by Jan van Der Walt

Authenticity at Its Core
The Shelby GT40 Continuation is not a kit car or replica. It is a genuine continuation of the original GT40, authorized and licensed by Safir GT40 Spares LLC. Each vehicle is numbered with the original GT40-P chassis numbers and is listed in the Shelby Car World Registry and the official GT40 registry. This ensures that every Shelby GT40 Continuation is recognized as a true descendant of the legendary race cars.

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